The Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands Beyond the Canals

Beyond Amsterdam’s iconic canals lies a refined Netherlands that rewards those who travel with discernment.

Maastricht, one of Europe’s oldest cities, is a connoisseur’s delight.

Its cobbled lanes reveal centuries-old wine cellars, contemporary art galleries, and a selection of Michelin-starred restaurants.

In the east, the Het Loo Palace in Apeldoorn invites visitors into the grandeur of Dutch royal heritage, surrounded by immaculate Baroque gardens.

Nature lovers should not miss De Hoge Veluwe National Park, where white bicycles are yours to ride through serene forests and dunes.

At its heart sits the Kröller-Müller Museum, home to the world’s second-largest Van Gogh collection.

On the windswept Wadden Sea, Texel offers exclusive eco-retreats and pristine beaches, while The Hague blends quiet diplomacy with cultural sophistication.

Here, Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring awaits in the Mauritshuis, and sea-facing suites at boutique hotels offer discreet indulgence.

The Netherlands is a nation of subtle luxury, where authenticity and elegance go hand in hand.

It is not just worth seeing beyond the canals; it is essential.